Macallan Fine Oak 18 Year

I could have given this a five star - it's a fabulous expression. Subtle sweetness on the nose with a very delicate floral bouquet. There's a touch of pear on the palate, with oak on the finish; sherry is barely an influence. Very good stuff.

Macallan and Jim Murray...ok I won't rant. The latter likes the former, and rates this edition highly.... . I really gave this one a chance. I cleansed my palate with an average whiskey, waited a minute for each year of its age. Would this be the one? Ok the good. Nice viscosity, honey, golden syrup, toffee bit of orange. Unfortunately its a bit bitter and astringent which lingers in the aftertaste. It's meant to be sherry finished but I'm getting none of that. All in all not to bad maybe up to a 3.5 at a push but it's around $250 USD and so like most Macallans heavily over priced. I'd say a 1/3rd of the price would be reasonable. 3 it is once VFM comes into the equation. I have not had a good run with Macallan but I hear Rare, Rare black and Edition 2 are Macallan at its finest so one day I might find out what the hype is about. As an aside I cracked open a sample of 1991, 24 year 49.2% Glendronach straight after...no waiting for 24 mins or anything and bam cheaper price, much, much better outcome.